Stubborn or the Picture of Patience???

I think we all have an immediate answer to this question when it's posed about Dad. Like Mom says, "he can have patience, he just wants it now." So, apparently his stomach is as stubborn as the rest of him...he is literally stubborn through and through! The stomach won't get started doing its job until its good and ready. Therefore, the surgeon is taking a new approach. They are removing the NG tube today (YEAH!!!!!) and putting in a drain in his side to empty the stomach until it starts to fully function. The surgeon says he is making progress, he's just taking his old sweet time. So, this means what?

Dad will actually get released from the hospital, hopefully next Monday. But, he'll have to stay in Denver for about 3 weeks (hopefully) until his stomach starts working. His surgeon will not release him from his care until he can eat and the drain is removed. He still won't be able to eat because it could block the drain and his stomach won't process the food. So, he'll be bottle-fed for 12 hours a night (he's going to be pissed I phrased it like that when he reads this :)) through the existing tube feed. Mom and my sister Sue get to play nurse maid for awhile (suddenly being the only one in St. Louis throughout this process isn't seeming so bad). And to share a little gross family insight, Sue has a wicked gag reflex. She is going to love emptying the bag from the drain. She barfed on her orthodontist getting her braces put on - that was nothing compared to this. Almost wish I could see it :)

I keep using 'hopefully' to describe his timeframes, because we all know he hasn't stuck with any outline they've given him yet. He keeps choosing the 'Off the Board for 50 points' option instead of following directions. Anyone surprised??

Here's looking ahead to Monday and being released from the hospital. He's getting a little frustrated (understandably so) and therefore, we can no longer say he's getting out on good behavior. But, none the less, he's getting out!